News flap: "Xena Gay!" WhatUthink?

(AlciBIades) writes:
> Well, fellow&sister Xenites (esp. subtexters), I must confess I'm mystified.
>
> I've heard it said that minority groups sometimes break down news events into "Good for us/Bad for us."
>
> In that light, what does one (pro-subtext Xenite) make of the latest newsflap triggered by ROC's TV guide comments? First, let's run down the chronology:
>
> 1)ROC tells TV guide (similar to other XenaStaff comments), regarding "lesbian subtext as a deliberate device [interviewer Mark Nollinger's words] 'There was a time when we played with the idea, just being silly' . . . but nowadays, she adds, the friendship 'has become so profound that it's not about a sexual relationship.'"
>
> 2)Reaction by subtext Xenites is mixed. I was totally unsurprised by her words, and felt they were mildly respectful, but a**-covering and subtext-neutral. Other Xenites were more critical, especially the "just being silly" line, as being Bad for the Subtext. I don't recall any (on-line) fan as being particularly positive regarding ROC's remarks.
>
> 3)The (growing) press reaction! As far as I know, it started with E! network's webpage, and went from there. The E! spin was that ROC "outed" X&G's relationship, and thus made an important revelation about the show XWP, even if they felt she said that their gay relationship was a "was". Since E!'s online report, at least two other publications have picked up this spin: first, a local newspaper in Contra Costa, California, that basically "borrowed" E!'s report word-for-word.
> Second, a tabloid, the Examiner, which sensationally put "Xena Gay!" on the cover, and then selectively re-hashed E!'s selective rehash of TV guide.
>
> So, like I said before, subtext Xenites, what do you think? Is all this "Good for the Subtext" or "Bad for the Subtext"?
>
> Part of me wants to be sympathetic to ROC: here she was, getting a starring role in TV guide, wanting to be direct, without causing controversy, and BANG! she causes more controversy than any XenaStaff comment to date. But on the other hand, it's that XenaStaff penchant for trying to be all things to all people which is so insulting sometimes. C'mon guys, you really can't have it both ways (or, to use a biblical reference, "I spit you out because you are neither cold nor hot" Rev. 3:16).
>
> I just dunno. I'm sure TPTB hopes this blows over, cuz if they directly respond (to "Xena Gay") they'll figure they'll alienate some fans either way. But I sorta hope somebody calls them on this. Otherwise, I'm afraid there will be no progress, no growth in THE RELATIONSHIP, and without growth is Death. The worst of all things for the subtext.
>
> AlciBIades

Hey AlciBIades,

Blows over??? Are you kidding. TPTB couldn't buy this kind of PR. By remaining ambiguous, TPTB will gain new fans for the fourth season as well as keep us subtexters sitting on the edge of our seats wondering just how far they will go with the Xena and Gab relationship. Regardless of Renee's comments, I think subtext will continue to play in the Xenaverse. I truly believe Renee is more naive on this issue than Lucy. I'm more than willingly to cut her some slack. As for Xena being gay, I don't care. I think the whole controversy just makes the show much more interesting.
You do make very interesting points.

respectfully,
gideon

>

News flap: "Xena Gay!" WhatUthink?

AB:

I think this whole thing has been taken way out of proportion. While some people might enjoy the subtext in X:GP, others appreciate other aspects of the show. We are paying too much attention to a thing that is so vague; to a relationship that hasn't evolved to its fullest. If it doesn't, then 'good for the gals.' But if it does, let's pray they're happy. Fans, real fans, are not going to turn off their TV because of this sexuality thing. I know I wouldn't, and I am completely against it (subtext, you know.) I don't think this E interview with ROC should make a difference.

News flap: "Xena Gay!" WhatUthink?

****snipped for space****

Hola, AlciBIades,

"Any publicity is good publicity. . ." is bascially how the old saying
goes and, IMO, it applies here. I don't think it'll ultimately ignite
into any sort of controversial fire since ROC's comments (despite E!'s assertions
to the contrary) weren't anything that hasn't been said in the past.
She didn't say: "they is!" nor did she say: "they ain't." But folks
can always find a way to twist someone's words to fit their own agenda,
no matter what that agenda may be. 'Sides, this is the kind stuff that
happens on a sloooooow newsday. Wouldn't worry too much 'bout it.

Hasta!

Journeycake